Cheryl Burke Talks Childhood Abuse

NEW YORK (CBS) "Dancing with the Stars" pro Cheryl Burke has spoken out about sex abuse she endured at the hands of a family friend.

In her new book, "Dancing Lessons," out Feb. 14, Burke reveals she was repeatedly molested, starting at the age of 5, by a retired mailman, who was well liked and trusted in her Bay Area community.;

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"I'm telling my story," the 26-year-old tells People magazine. "They're not secrets. There's no shame."

Burke, whose parents divorced when she was a baby, says her abuser would sometimes pick her up from school and help around her house. "I felt guilty for wanting his love and affection," she says. 

He was later accused of assaulting other kids, which led Burke to testify against him in court.

"I saw his face and lawyers were asking me these questions and I was like, 'What am I doing? Did he even do anything wrong?'"

With the man in prison and years of professional counseling, Burke says she no longer feels ashamed and is ready to share her story.

"If I can help just one person," she says, "for me that's all that matters."