Final answer:
The claim that abuse rates do not increase in stepfamilies is false; stepfamilies may be at an increased risk of abuse due to various stresses and challenges unique to blended family dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that abuse rates do not go up in stepfamilies is false. Stepfamilies, sometimes referred to as blended families, can face additional stress and challenges, which might include differences in discipline techniques and the combination of children from different relationships. This can create an environment where the risk of abuse, including intimate partner violence (IPV), may increase. Various studies have linked factors such as relationship status, socio-economic status, and age with the likelihood of abuse. Separated individuals often report higher abuse rates, and those cohabitating have higher rates of IPV than those who are married. Abuse is a complex issue that can transcend socio-economic levels, affecting families across a diverse spectrum.