Rihanna has spoken for the first time about being attacked by former lover Chris Brown.
The star was assaulted by the R'n'B singer back in February following the Grammy Awards.
In an interview with Good Morning America she spoke frankly about domestic abuse.
She said: "This happened to me. It can happen to anyone."
She also spoke candidly about coming to terms with the attack because of the feelings she had for the singer.
"He was definitely my first big love," she admitted.
Rihanna says she hopes being open and honest about the attack will encourage others to report incidents of abuse.
Speaking to Glamour magazine she added: "Domestic violence is a big secret. No kid goes around and lets people know their parents fight.
"Teenage girls can't tell their parents that their boyfriend beat them up. You don't dare let your neighbour know that you fight.
"It's one of the things we (women) will hide, because it's embarrassing. My story was broadcast all over the world for people to see, and they have followed every step of my recovery."
Brown pleaded guilty to assault in August and was sentenced to six months of community service, 12 months of domestic violence counselling and five years probation.
He was given a restraining order which requires him to stay at least 100 yards from the singer for five years.
Chris recently said he regretted his actions and still loved Rihanna. Source: Ananova
2009-08-06
Chris Brown and Rihanna Sentencing Delayed
Chris Brown has turned up to court to be sentenced for beating his former girlfriend, pop star Rihanna - only to learn the session has been postponed.
The singer is expected to be handed five years' probation and six months of community work.
And Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg has said she wants him to remove graffiti or clear roadsides.
But Brown has requested to serve the sentence in Virginia.
The delay is to give authorities there more time to decide whether or not Brown can carry out community service in his home state.
The 20-year-old has admitted attacking Rihanna hours before the pair were due to play at the Grammy Awards.
He was arrested on February 8, hours after a party in Los Angeles.
An LA detective said Brown attacked Rihanna in a car when she checked his mobile phone and found a text from another woman.
He attempted to push Rihanna out of the vehicle before punching her repeatedly, Detective De Shon Andrews wrote.
He threatened to kill her when she pretended to phone her assistant to get police help and - according to a police report - bit her ear.
The detective said the assault left Rihanna with a mouthful of blood. Brown is also said to have tried to choke her.
Following the incident, pictures apparently showing the female singer's beaten and swollen face were leaked on to the internet.
Earlier this month, Brown apologised publicly for his behaviour.
In a video posting on his website, the singer said he was "truly, truly sorry", adding that what he did was unacceptable and he had apologised to his victim "countless" times.
The recommended sentence has been criticised by domestic abuse campaigners who claim it is too lenient.
A new sentencing date has been set for August 27. Source: Ananova
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