Spain's first summer heatwave, which began on June 21, coincides with studies linking high temperatures to increased gender-based and family violence.
A 2018 Spanish study published in Science of The Total Environment found that a 10-degree rise in average temperature was associated with a 9% higher risk of violent crimes in the short term. In the Community of Madrid between 2008 and 2016, calls to the gender violence hotline increased from the day after a heatwave began.
Psychologist Mercedes Bermejo noted that high temperatures accelerate aggressiveness rhythms and cause physiological imbalances that affect emotions and family interactions. Tropical nights above 20 degrees prevent restorative sleep and raise the risk of irritability.
Spain's State Meteorological Agency maintains warnings for temperatures nearing 44 degrees until Wednesday, June 24, with relief expected from Thursday.
