GREENSBORO, N.C. - Greensboro police are seeing a spike in violent crime in the summer, including domestic and aggravated assault.
Police have already responded to 80 domestic and aggravated assault reports so far this month.
In July 2017, police received 196 reports in total.
Police are working to tackle domestic violence, but expect the numbers to increase with summer temps.
Police responded to 227 reports of domestic and aggravated assault last month compared to 198 cases in June 2017.
If you do the math, that's 29 additional reports.
But, could summer heat really play a factor in violent crime, including domestic abuse?
The answer: Yes.
Research shows summer heat causes irritability which in return leads to aggressive behavior and violent crime.
Domestic violence, however, is a problem across the nation year-round.
On average, 24 people become victims of some sort of domestic abuse every minute in the U.S.
That's more than 12 million women and men over the course of a year.
If you have concerns about a relationship, call The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
It provides lifesaving tools and support to empower victims and survivors to find safety and live free of abuse.
All calls are free and confidential.
For additional information about ways to escape an abusive partner or help a family member or friend in an abusive relationship, click here.