A nurse is conducting a home visit for a client suspected of experiencing intimate partner violence. The client appears withdrawn, has multiple bruises in various stages of healing, and hesitates when asked about their relationship. The client explains, "He didn't mean to hurt me: it just gets worse sometimes." Which nursing action is most appropriate to promote the client's safety and autonomy?

Rationale: A. While documentation may be helpful, immediately advising legal action may overwhelm the client and compromise trust if they are not ready. B. Urging the client to leave immediately may ignore their sense of readiness or fear, which could reduce engagement or increase danger. C. Offering nonjudgmental support and information about the cycle of abuse promotes both safety and autonomy by helping the client make informed, empowered decisions. D. Couples counseling is inappropriate in cases of intimate partner violence, as it may place the victim at further risk and shift blame.