Chris Brown's MTV interview was terrible.

Fine, he didn't want to get into specifics about what happened that February night between him and then-girlfriend, Rihanna, in their car. But to me, it seemed like he refused to own up to what we now know was a case of domestic violence.

During his 30 minutes, he never once said "assault" or "beating." He kept referring to the violence as "the situation" and saying how he was taking classes to learn about himself.

That's all fine and dandy, but his tone and delivery lacked contrition.

During the last nine months, rumors have swirled that Rihanna has a temper and hit Brown first and that she kept nagging him and wouldn't shut up.

I've got a problem with both scenarios. First, I will readily admit that a woman's tongue can be extremely salty. So if you're a dude in a relationship with a girl like that, you need to find yourself another mate.

But second, even if she was screaming on him and smacked him first, in no way did it warrant what he did to her. The most shocking part is that they are so young, only 19 and 20, and from what Rihanna says, Brown was her first "true love."

At 6 tonight at The Drop-In Learning Center, 45 Broad St., New London, girls ages 11 and up are invited, with their mothers, to "Breaking the Chains of Domestic Violence: A Conversation about Hurt, Healing & Healthy Relationships."

The workshop, sponsored by the New London County section of the National Council of Negro Women, features Patricia Williams, author of "No Longer Will I Hide the Stranger in My Bed," who will discuss the book based on her abusive marriage.

In addition, Tasha Blanco, Planned Parenthood of Connecticut site supervisor, will talk about healthy relationships.

Reona Dyess, the center's executive director, says the reason many women get trapped in these relationships is because they don't know there are resources available to help them.

"They don't think there is a way out," says Dyess.

Although Rihanna initially went back to Brown, she says she needed to move on because she realized she was sending the wrong message to countless numbers of naive girls: that it's OK for your man to beat you.

It's not. Ever.

To register for the workshop, call The Drop-In Learning Center at (860) 442-4466.

This is the opinion of Katrina T. Gathers.