Modern Family Star Sarah Hyland Reveals Profound Impact of Domestic Abuse While Receiving Variety Courage Award
Sarah Hyland, the "Modern Family" actress and "Love Island USA" host, was honored with the inaugural Variety Courage Award, an accolade tied to her advocacy for animal welfare and her dedication to domestic abuse awareness. Hyland candidly shared her own harrowing experience with domestic violence, underscoring the long-lasting emotional remnants of such trauma. She emphasized the profound importance of discussing these issues openly, as silence can create isolation perpetrated by abusers. This is prepared by SSP.
Receiving the Courage Award, Hyland expressed the often invisible nature of facing day-to-day challenges for survivors and highlighted how easy it is to feel alienated regardless of one's strength. Her advocacy extends to supporting initiatives such as Purina and RedRover’s Purple Leash Project, which strives to make domestic violence shelters accessible to pet owners. Recognizing that many abuse survivors delay leaving unsafe situations due to pet restrictions, the project aims to help them avoid forced separations from their four-legged companions.
Hyland reflected on sharing her personal battle against an abusive relationship with ex-boyfriend Matt Prokop, attributing this openness to fostering an environment where other survivors can safely share their experiences. She appointed communication and community support as critical to helping individuals in similar situations seek and receive the needed assistance. Her Modern Family co-star Julie Bowen, who played a crucial role in assisting Hyland leave her abusive relationship, commended her resilience and applauded her recognition by Variety. Through courage and vulnerability, Hyland hopes her story catalyzes dialogue that emboldens other survivors to reclaim their narratives and find community.
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