Domestic Violence History at Play in Chris Brown Rihanna Assault

Early on in his career, in February 2006, less than a year after making his debut at age 16 with the hit "Run It!," Brown told MTV News' Sway that watching his mother endure that abuse was "an influence in me about how to treat a woman." He talked about his hatred for his stepfather and said, "I used to always feel the hate for anybody that disrespected a lady. Or called a lady the B-word ... or just disrespected her."

Based on the information she has read about the case and her 25 years of experience dealing with domestic-violence issues, Sheryl Cates, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, said the intergenerational abusive behavior that Brown could be a part of is not unusual.

"It's a learned behavior," she said. "It can be unlearned, and I hope that he will seek some help to do that. But it's about a belief system where you think, 'I have the right to hurt someone I love.' I've seen him say a lot that he would treat women differently, but the [alleged] injuries in this case are the same tactics — emotional or physical — meant to control [Rihanna]. One of the things we can convey to people is [that] violence is not the answer and there is an ability to change if you want that."

Los Angeles side street. Gossip website E! reports Rihanna threw Chris' car keys out the window, sending the 19-year-old singer into a rage.

After failing to find the keys, he allegedly returned to the car, put his hands around Rihanna's neck and screamed: "I'm going to kill you." It is claimed Rihanna lost consciousness and when she came round Chris had fled. Officers who attended the scene were said to be so shocked at her "horrific" injuries - including a split lip, bruised face and bite marks - they drove her straight to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The singer - who is now in hiding - has cancelled her 21st birthday party, which was due to take place on February 20, and part of her tour.

Brown may have roughed up Rihanna in the past. One unidentified friend said that Brown always had a "volatile" relationship with Rihanna and a confidant of the singer reportedly told the magazine that she had visible bruises on her neck in early December. At the time, the friend reportedly asked, "is everything was OK with her and Chris," saying Rihanna explained, "'We broke up again.' I didn't pursue the issue further."]Brown may have roughed up Rihanna in the past. One unidentified friend said that Brown always had a "volatile" relationship with Rihanna and a confidant of the singer reportedly told the magazine that she had visible bruises on her neck in early December. At the time, the friend reportedly asked, "is everything was OK with her and Chris," saying Rihanna explained, "'We broke up again.' I didn't pursue the issue further.

TMZ is reporting that the 19-year-old singer will almost certainly be charged with felony domestic battery in the case.

Citing unnamed "law enforcement" sources, the site reported early Thursday (February 12) that Rihanna told police that the alleged incident inside the couple's rented Lamborghini on the morning of the Grammys was not the first time Brown has attacked her. And though the evidence for the criminal-threats charge he was booked on Sunday night is described as "weak," the singer could face other charges once the D.A. takes the case, the site said.

The matter was kicked backed to police on Wednesday after the D.A.'s office cited insufficient evidence for the criminal threats charge, which is more serious than a domestic battery count. Numerous sources have said that the D.A. is reluctant to try such a high-profile case unless the evidence is very solid, which is why more evidence was requested.