Final answer:
Since 1999, the trend in spousal abuse has varied based on factors such as marital status and socioeconomic status. Women in low-income disadvantaged areas are more at risk of abuse, and those between the ages of twenty to twenty-four are particularly vulnerable. It is important to acknowledge that accurate statistics on spousal abuse are challenging to obtain due to unreported cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Since 1999, the trend in spousal abuse has varied depending on certain factors. Research has shown that those who are separated or cohabitating are more likely to experience intimate partner violence (IPV) compared to those who are married. Additionally, women in low-income disadvantaged areas are more at risk of nonfatal abuse compared to women in more affluent areas. Women between the ages of twenty to twenty-four have been found to be at the greatest risk of nonfatal abuse. However, it is important to note that accurate statistics on IPV are difficult to determine as many cases go unreported.