Sarah Hyland makes a rare comment about past abusive relationships

“Modern Family” alum Sarah Hyland is opening up.

As Hyland, 33, accepted Variety's first Courage Award on Thursday for her work in animal welfare and domestic violence awareness, she told the outlet about her experiences surviving domestic violence.

“We haven’t talked about this for thousands of years,” she said.

The former Love Island presenter continued: “I don’t think the community has shared enough. And I believe that if we talk about it more, more women — and men and just people in general in abusive relationships — will feel more comfortable being able to talk to their loved ones about it, rather than letting their abuser isolate them from everything the first thing is what they do so that this community doesn’t exist.”

She added that it was “really important” to “talk about it.”

Hyland has previously credited her “Modern Family” mother Julie Bowen, 54, with helping her deal with her allegedly abusive relationship with ex-boyfriend Matt Prokop.

Although she did not mention his name, Hyland filed a restraining order against Prokop in September 2014.

The actress accused Prokop, 34, of choking and threatening her during their relationship, which ended in August of the same year.

According to E! Hyland said in court documents that she called Bowen and told her to come to her house, which caused Prokop to freak out. Bowen is said to have convinced Prokop to leave Hyland's house to protect her TV daughter.

Hyland was granted a restraining order against him in October 2014.

Bowen was on “The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast” in June and host Lauryn Bosstick told the actress that Hyland “gives credit for saving her life after an abusive relationship.”

“Oh, that’s very sweet of her,” Bowen replied.

She continued: “I was a responsible adult who happened to be there at the right time. I mean, I'm sure another responsible adult would have done the exact same thing. I just love her.”

Hyland moved in with Bachelor Nation star Wells Adams, whom she married in 2022. Prokop was arrested in Texas in May after an alleged altercation with his girlfriend.

The “Modern Family” star told Variety that experiencing domestic violence “stays in that abused place of the soul where you think all the time it's your fault and you could have done better, you could have gotten out sooner.” , you could have told people.” .”

Hyland said there comes a point where “you don't want to talk about it anymore. You want it done, and that's it.”

“I completely understand the dissociation pattern,” she said. “I have a lot of guilt myself…until something happens that triggers me, and I didn't realize that part of me was healed.”

Hyland said of overcoming the trauma: “I don’t know if that part of a woman will ever fully heal from it. It's something that leaves a little scar on her soul. It’s more about giving that scar love instead of hating and ignoring it.”

In a statement to Variety, Bowen said, “Without adversity, there can be no way to define one's character and self-confidence.”

She continued to gush about her former TV daughter, explaining: “Sarah's journey has forced her to take on challenges from a young age – both physical and emotional.” She has handled every moment with determination, grace and vulnerability. I’m so proud that Variety is recognizing her strength and heart with the Courage Award.”

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.