Sarah Hyland -- Meet My Giant ... Beefy Protection From Ex (PHOTO)

Sarah Hyland is not letting her guard down after getting a restraining order against her abusive ex-boyfriend -- she now has a mountain-sized escort on the set of "Modern Family."

As TMZ first reported, Hyland's ex-boyfriend Matthew Prokop was ordered to stay away from her for 3 years following her claims he was physically abusive during their relationship. Hyland says her TV mom, Julie Bowen, witnessed some of the abuse.

The bodyguard tailed Sarah from her trailer to her shoot locations all day Thursday. After seeing this, we think Prokop will keep his distance. If he's smart.