Sarah Hyland is best known for playing Haley Dunphy, the ditzy eldest child on the hit sitcom Modern Family. But her real life hasn’t always been a comedy.
The actress has been open about her past experience with domestic abuse, and has been a vocal advocate for fellow victims — as well as their pets.
Recently, while accepting an award for her advocacy, Hyland spoke about the important role her pet dog played during that dark chapter of her life, and about the need for pet-friendly safe spaces for women experiencing abuse.
Hyland, 33, recently became the recipient of the inaugural Variety Courage Award, presented by Purina, in recognition of her work as a champion of survivors of domestic violence.
Hyland advocacy includes working with the Purple Leash Project, an initiative from Purina and nonprofit RedRover that helps domestic violence shelters accommodate survivors’ pets.
It’s a cause close to Hyland’s heart, as the Modern Family star was a victim of domestic violence. She dated former co-star Matt Prokop from 2010 to 2014, and court filings state that he was physically and verbally abusive throughout their four year relationship.
In her acceptance speech, Hyland said her pet dog Barkley was a crucial companion to her during this time. “There was a time when the only being I could trust with my true feelings and felt the safest with was with my dog, Barkley,” Hyland said. “He got me through the worst years of my life and I know I wouldn’t be able to make it out without him.”
Hyland said that she was “grateful” for the work of the Purple Leash Project, which aims to make 25% of domestic violence shelters pet friendly by 2025. “I know the bond between a survivor and their pet is crucial, especially during the darkest days,” Hyland said.
Speaking to Variety, Hyland explained that pets provide crucial companionship to domestic abuse victims, who are often intentionally isolated from friends and family. “The first thing that [abusers] do is isolate you so that you don’t have that community,” the actress said.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 71 % of pet owners entering domestic violence shelters report that their batterer had threatened, injured, or killed family pets, and 25% to 40% of domestic violence victims are
unable to escape their abusers due to fears of what might happen to their pets if they leave them behind.
In 2014, Hyland received a permanent restraining order against Prokop — one that also protects her dog Barkley.
Hyland has also credited actress Julie Bowen, her on-screen mom in Modern Family, for being an advocate for her and helping her get out of her abusive relationship. Bowen presented her with the award, and praised her bravery.
“Sarah’s personal experience has made her a strong advocate for the role dogs play in our emotional well-being, and her love for her dogs over the years – Barkley, Carl and Boo – mirrors what so many of us feel—especially women who’ve been abused,” Bowen said at the event. “Sarah’s courage to stand up for herself has inspired countless others to do the same.”
“Without adversity, there can be no way to define one’s character and sense of self,” Bowen told Variety. “Sarah’s path has forced her, from a very early age, to take on challenges — both physical and emotional. She has met each moment with determination, grace and vulnerability. I’m so proud that Variety is recognizing her strength and heart with the Courage Award.”
Domestic abuse is a terrible thing to have to endure, and having a pet can be both a great comfort and a challenge. It’s great to hear Sarah Hyland speak out about this important issue and help make more domestic violence shelters pet-friendly.
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