Vol.:(0123456789) Critical Criminology https://doi.org/10.1007/s10612-024-09748-6 1 3 Trans‑Neutrality in Intimate Partner Violence Service Provision in the USA and Canada Lauren N. Moton 1  · Stacie Merken 2  · Danielle C. Slakof 3  · Wendy Aujla 4 Accepted: 5 January 2024 © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2024 Abstract Trans women have distinct dynamics in abusive relationships that cisgender women may not experience (e.g., purposeful misgendering). Therefore, it is important that IPV service providers recognize the unique needs of trans women to provide appropriate care. We draw on data from a larger study employing an online open-ended survey with a hypothetical vignette depicting a trans woman experiencing IPV (Merken et al., 2023). Responses from 75 IPV service providers in the USA and Canada indicate that many respondents aim to “treat everyone equally” regardless of gender identity, but may do so based on the con- straints of their organization. Drawing on colorblind racial ideology, we discuss the harms of generalized IPV service provision, or what we term trans-neutrality. We argue this per- spective has harmful consequences for trans women seeking assistance and call for more structural support for service providers to implement sustained trans-inclusive IPV provi- sion. Implications for IPV policy and practice are discussed. For the Queer Victimology Special Issue: guest edited by Dr. Shelly Clevenger. * Lauren N. Moton laurenmoton@nyu.edu Stacie Merken smerken@iusb.edu Danielle C. Slakof Danielle.Slakof@csus.edu Wendy Aujla waujla@ualberta.ca 1 Marron Institute of Urban Management, New York University, 370 Jay St., 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA 2 Indiana University South Bend, 1700 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend, IN 46615, USA 3 California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819, USA 4 University of Alberta, Edmonton, 5-25 HM Tory Building, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H4, Canada