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Sarah Hyland Gives Rare Insight Into Surviving Her Abusive Relationship, Says Past Trauma 'Scars Her Soul'

While accepting Variety's first-ever Courage Award, Sarah Hyland gave rare insight into her experiences with domestic violence

In Sept. 2014, Hyland secured a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend Matt Prokop over claims he verbally and physically abused her during the course of their five-year relationship. The filing, which was obtained by PEOPLE at the time, alleged that Propkop had exhibited violent behavior, lobbed multiple threats, and at one point, attempted to choke her. The month before the order was granted, her Modern Family costar Julie Bowen had intervened and helped Hyland end her relationship, which allegedly led to Prokop threatening to kill her dog and burn down her house.

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