QUICK TAKES - Nov. 4, 2009

Rihanna says dealing with the media attention after being assaulted in February by ex-boyfriend Chris Brown was humiliating. But she now hopes to speak for young women who are afraid to talk openly about domestic violence.

The 21-year-old pop star told Glamour magazine in an interview posted online Tuesday that she didn’t realize how much her decisions affected people she didn’t know, like her many fans. She feels stronger, wiser and more aware now, she added.

“Domestic violence is a big secret,” Rihanna said. “The positive thing that has come out of my situation is that people can learn from that. I want to give as much insight as I can to young women, because I feel like I represent a voice that really isn’t heard. Now I can help speak for those women.”

Brown, 20, pleaded guilty to felony assault in June.