Barbadian singer Rihanna says she wants to serve as an unofficial spokesperson for victims of domestic violence. (Lefteris Pitarakis/Associated Press)

Chart-topping pop singer Rihanna has opened up about being assaulted by her former boyfriend, fellow entertainer Chris Brown, in a TV interview to air later this week and in the upcoming issue of Glamour magazine.

Diane Sawyer talks to the 21-year-old Barbadian-born singer about the Feb. 8th attack, her life since the assault and her rise to fame in a two-part interview to air Thursday and Friday on Good Morning America.

The singer also discusses the incident in the December issue of Glamour magazine, which has crowned the singer its woman of the year for 2009.

In interview excerpts released Tuesday, Rihanna tells Glamour she wants to serve as an unofficial spokesperson for victims of domestic violence.

"Domestic violence is a big secret," she said.

"My story was broadcast all over the world for people to see, and they have followed every step of my recovery. 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."

Pre-Grammy attack

R&B singer-dancer Brown was sentenced to five years of probation and 180 days of community labour in August after pleading guilty to charges stemming from his assault on Rihanna. He apologized for the incident publicly in an online video and spoke to CNN's Larry King Live in September.

The pair had attended a pre-Grammy party on the eve of the awards show in February and became embroiled in a late-night scuffle. Both were slated to perform for the Grammy ceremony, but withdrew hours before the broadcast. Brown then turned himself in to authorities.

Though Brown's victim was not initially identified, a leaked police photo emerged and showed a battered and bruised Rihanna, whose real name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty.

In her interview with Glamour, the singer described the photo leak as "humiliating."

"I felt completely taken advantage of. I felt like people were making it into a fun topic on the Internet, and it’s my life. I was disappointed, especially when I found out the photo was [allegedly leaked by] two women," she says.

In the ensuing months, the singer has focussed her energy on her upcoming album, Rated R, set for release Nov. 23.

With files from The Associated Press