Rihanna 'Knows' Chris Brown Will Get 'Something Positive From This Experience'

NEW YORK — Rihanna has been forthcoming and revealing during interviews when discussing Chris Brown and the aftermath of his assault on her earlier this year. She has emphasized her desire that the assault be a learning experience for her fans and young women in particular.

Rihanna told MTV News that she also hoped Brown could take something away from the situation.

"I know that he's going to take away something positive about this entire experience," Rihanna told Sway on Monday. "It was a life-changing experience for both of us. The best way that we can both win is if we come out learning from it and sharing with others, so they don't have to go through it like we did."

The singer was very candid during her sit-down with Diane Sawyer, as she confirmed the information contained in the police report from that night. She said Brown bit, punched and choked her to the point where she had trouble breathing. She also revealed that Brown had pushed her against a wall in the past.

Terry O'Neill, president of the National Organization for Women and a victim of domestic violence herself, told MTV Newsby revealing details of her assault, Rihanna is actually creating a dialogue about the incident that can become a teachable moment, in addition to helping her move on.

"She is really taking personal responsibility for this and sharing her response in a way that allows her to live the way she wants to: free of fear, in safety and in a way that can help others to be safe," O'Neill explained.

Although Brown has been more reserved when discussing the specifics of that night, he too has said he wants to use his experience to help others.

"It's like, 'How do we get past it? How do you, Chris' — talking to myself — 'how do you go from point A to point B,' " he told MTV News correspondent Sway during "Chris Brown: The Interview," which aired Friday. "How do you learn from your mistakes, turn it into a positive and help other people with the situation, and at the end of the day become the person that you want to be?"

Brown has declined to go into detail on more than one occasion, saying he believes for his and Rihanna's privacy that it wouldn't be fair to speak about the incident. Brown issued a statement to MTV News before Rihanna's full interview with Sawyer aired, reiterating his belief that the night should remain private. The singer, however, remained supportive of his former girlfriend's decision to speak openly on the assault.

"While I respect Rihanna's right to discuss the specific events of February 8, I maintain my position that all of the details should remain a private matter between us," he said in the statement. "I do appreciate her support and wish her the best. I am extremely sorry for what I did, and I accept accountability for my actions. At this point, I am taking the proper steps to learn about me and grow from my mistakes. I only hope that others in similar situations can learn from our experience as well. Abuse of any kind is always wrong. The rest I leave it to God."

Go here for domestic-violence resources, or check out Think MTV for a video handbook on spotting the warning signs of abuse.