629

In every case in which a protection order is issued and from the evidence introduced in the hearing arises that any or all the children of the parties have witnessed and/or perceived the act of abuse, the court may refer the case to the Department of the Family in order for the person accused of abuse to be referred to and submitted to a social work evaluation, in order to determine whether he/she requires any kind of psychological assistance, which inures to the protection of the minors.The court shall summon the respondent to a follow-up hearing to ascertain that said person went to the Department of the Family and submitted to the social work evaluation. The Department of the Family shall issue a report on the social work evaluation, in which any kind of psychological assistance may be recommended to the respondent.If the respondent fails to comply with the referral, it shall be considered that he/she has violated the protection order. History —Aug. 15, 1989, No. 54, p. 199, added as § 2.9 on Aug. 9, 2008, No. 225, § 1.