Modern Family star Julie Bowen reveals she helped Sarah Hyland leave ‘abusive’ relationship

Warning: This article contains discussion of domestic violence which some readers may find distressing.

Modern Family's Julie Bowen has revealed that she helped her co-star, Sarah Hyland, leave an 'abusive' relationship.

The 54-year-old actor sat down on The Skinny Confidential Him & Her podcast on Monday (3 June) to open up about intervening in the situation which eventually led to Sarah, who played Julie's eldest daughter on the ABC series, leaving her past relationship back in 2014.

Podcast host Lauryn Bosstick told Julie: "Sarah Hyland gives you credit for saving her life after a violent relationship."

"Oh that's very sweet of her," Julie replied, before the host added: "You were like, it sounds like, you were a mother to her."

"I was a responsible adult that happened to be around at the right time," the award-winning actor explained. "I mean, I’m sure another responsible adult would have done the exact same thing.

"I just love her."

She went on to reveal that this maternal feeling is not just reserved for Sarah, now 33, as it also applies to her other younger co-stars on the TV show including Ariel Winter, Nolan Gould and Rico Rodriguez.

"I look at them all like my kids," she added.

Sarah's attorney confirmed to E! News at the time that she obtained a temporary restraining order against her ex-boyfriend, Matthew Prokop, back in 2014.

In court documents obtained by the outlet, Sarah alleged that Matthew was both physically and verbally abusive to her during their five-year relationship.

The outlet adds that the filing stated that Sarah contacted Julie to come over to her house in August while Matthew 'flipped out' and allegedly threatened to kill her dog and burn down her house.

The Happy Gilmore star eventually advised her on-screen daughter to leave for her safety.

Sarah previously opened up about how her co-stars have been there for her telling People back in October 2014: "In every aspect of life they’re the best for me."

She added: "We’re always there for each other. And it’s wonderful. I love them."

If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence to the national domestic violence helpline Refuge on 0808 2000 247, available 24/7, or via live chat, available 3pm-10pm, Monday to Friday.