On February 8, 2009, Rihanna failed to appear for a scheduled performance at the 2009 Grammy Awards. Reports soon surfaced the singer had been the victim of a domestic violence assault by then boyfriend Chris Brown. A leaked photograph from the Los Angeles Police Department revealed Rihanna had been beaten and physically abused. Brown later pleaded guilty to felony assault and received five years probation.

“This happened to me… it can happen to anyone,” Rihanna tells Diane Sawyer of the attack in a Good Morning America interview set to air on Thursday and Friday.

Speaking in the December issue of Glamour, Rihanna says the leak of the photo of her injuries to the media was humiliating. “I felt like people were making it into a fun topic on the internet, and it’s my life… That is not a photo you would show to anybody.”

Rihanna says the experience had a profound effect on her. “My friends and family have been extremely supportive, and everyone has been there for me,” she tells Glamour. “But at some point you are there alone. It’s a lonely place to be—no one can understand.”

“The positive thing that has come out of my situation is that people can learn from that,” Rihanna continues. “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.”

>> Previously: Chris Brown Seeks Counseling for Anger Management