Final answer:
The best plan for a competent adult identified as a victim of spousal abuse is to offer emotional support and encourage professional help; confronting the abuser or encouraging retaliation is not advisable.
Step-by-step explanation:
Once a competent adult is identified as a victim of spousal abuse, providing emotional support and encouraging them to seek professional help is the best plan. Confronting the abuser could escalate the situation and is not recommended. Ignoring the issue is likewise not a viable solution, as spousal abuse can lead to serious physical and emotional harm. Encouraging retaliation could result in increased violence and legal complications for the victim. Professional resources such as therapists, domestic violence hotlines, or support groups are better equipped to provide assistance and develop a safe exit plan if necessary.