News releases from the Mary Byron Foundation

For Immediate Release
April 26, 2005

Actor, Foundation supporter recounts history of domestic abuse in memoir

When Victor Rivers spoke to attendees of the Mary Byron Foundation’s gala dinner in 2003, he shared a personal account of witnessing and surviving horrific domestic violence. Now, he is imparting the same story in A Private Family Matter: A Memoir (Atria Books, April 2005), his first book.
“This is a story about how I was saved by love at a time when most people considered me beyond rescue,” Rivers writes in this chronicle of how he escaped horrific physical abuse at the hands of a violent, controlling father and went on to become a Hollywood film actor and prominent activist.

The Cuban-born Rivers— spokesperson for the National Network to End Domestic Violence — reconstructs the childhood hell that he endured until, thanks to a concerned coach, a kind teacher, and a series of informal foster parents, he escaped as a teen.

Rivers had prominent roles in movies such as The Mask of Zorro, The Distinguished Gentleman, and The Hulk, as well as guest appearances on TV’s “24,” “CSI Miami,” and “JAG.” He filmed a series of public service announcements for the Mary Byron Foundation, which are provided free and available by calling (866) 264-6684.

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