via Opera.com

Super model gone talk show super-host Tyra Banks got personal on the Oprah Winfrey Show yesterday as she unveiled secrets from her past and talked about her one-on-one interviews with both Rihanna and Chris Brown. The show also featured a montage of women across the country with their own abuse stories to share.

Tyra told Oprah that both Chris and Rihanna grew up witnessing the horrific domestic abuse of their parents and that this incident may be a product of that history. "I went back to that interview and I said, 'Oh my God, he's repeating [the cycle of abuse]," said Tyra after reading the police report from the incident.

Tyra also cautioned against ganging up on Rihanna for reportedly getting back together with Chris. When she was Rihanna’s age, Tyra also experienced dating abuse and she shared her story to help people better understand Rihanna's position.

Tyra's partner verbally abused her and while she had no physical marks like Rihanna, she says that abuse is still abuse. It can be even be more dangerous when the abuse is hidden, especially when outwardly the guy seems like he is perfectly nice.

To show how difficult it is to leave an abuser, Tyra explained her own process of separating herself. Tyra gave the audience and viewers some advise for how to deal with the difficulty of leaving an abusive relationship. “Make a plan!” says Tyra.

What do you think of Tyra’s personal experience? Do you think the discussion on the Tyra show or on the Oprah Winfrey show will help Chris and Rihanna or at least other young people? Check out what teens thought, and comment below!

By CGG reporter, Caroline Kotter