'Modern Family's' Sarah Hyland Gets Restraining Order Against Ex-Boyfriend

By Sami K. Martin, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Actress Sarah Hyland from 'Modern Family' poses as she arrives at the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles September 18, 2011. — Actress Sarah Hyland from "Modern Family" poses as she arrives at the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles September 18, 2011. | (Photo: Reuters/Danny Moloshok)

"Modern Family" star Sarah Hyland was granted a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend after testifying that she was the victim of domestic violence.

Hyland, 23, obtained the court order on Friday, Sept. 19 after alleging that ex-boyfriend Matt Prokop, 24, shoved her against a car, choked her and threatened her life. In another incident, Hyland said that she had gone to costar Julie Bowen for help in dealing with Prokop. Bowen reportedly intervened in order to help "peacefully end the relationship," TMZ reported.

"Out of respect for the court, the process and all parties, I have advised Ms. Hyland not to comment on the matter," Hyland's lawyer, Lee A. Sherman, told People.

However, court documents obtained by TMZ showed Hyland's ordeal with Prokop, in which he allegedly choked her.

"His grip was so tight that I could not breathe or speak," the actress said. "I was scared and in fear for my life."

Since the breakup, Prokop "relentlessly bombarded me with vile, threatening and emotionally disturbing texts and voice mails including his own suicide threats," Hyland stated.

The young couple began dating after meeting while auditioning for "High School Musical 3: Senior Year," in 2008. They moved in together and had been together ever since. Prokop even helped nurse Hyland through a serious illness and kidney transplant.

"He helps me with my medication and takes me to doctor appointments and all the stuff that I need to do to take care of myself," she said in August. Any other 21-year-old guy would not be there, I guarantee it. I am one of the luckiest people in the world to have him be there for me."

Unfortunately things took a sour turn, and allegedly, a violent one. The actress never stopped working on ABC's hit series "Modern Family" and largely kept her medical issues to herself. Since the breakup, she has been spending time with members of her TV family who are helping her deal with the trauma and court issues.