Gamekeepers slam PCC over ‘damaging’ gun abuse claims

Campaign sparks backlash

A police and crime commissioner is facing criticism after allegedly linking legal gun ownership to domestic abuse in rural areas. Northumbria PCC Susan Dungworth sparked anger from the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) during a campaign highlighting violence against victims in the countryside.

Material published by her office on 8 September, amid National Rural Crime Week, claimed domestic abuse workers had helped victims who were threatened with “legally held firearms and farming equipment”.

The NGO hit back, accusing Ms Dungworth of implying that legally held firearms are inherently linked to domestic abuse. Firearms adviser Livia Brynin said the comments were “misleading and damaging” to people who follow strict licensing rules, adding: “It unfairly stigmatises law-abiding firearms owners and rural workers who fully comply with one of the most rigorous licensing systems in the world.”

Firearms licensing safeguards

The row has exposed tensions over how authorities handle gun crime concerns while protecting legitimate users. Ms Brynin pointed to existing safeguards in the licensing system, including background checks, medical reviews and ongoing monitoring. Police already have powers to remove guns immediately if domestic abuse risks emerge.

The dispute reflects wider tensions between rural communities and authorities over firearms policy, with shooting groups increasingly vocal about perceived unfair treatment and ever-tightening regulation.

“The police have the authority to act swiftly when there is evidence of risk,” Ms Brynin said. “Suggesting otherwise undermines confidence in the licensing process and risks damaging trust between rural communities and the authorities.”

Northumberland’s domestic abuse challenge

The dispute comes as Ms Dungworth tries to tackle domestic abuse in Northumberland, where 97% of land is rural. Statistics show the problem is worse in the countryside. Rural domestic abuse lasts 25% longer than in urban areas, while victims are half as likely to report incidents, according to the National Rural Crime Network.

Whilst the NGO emphasised that it does not condone domestic abuse, it claimed Ms Dungworth’s words unfairly targeted law-abiding firearms owners who already face extensive scrutiny through the licensing process. The organisation has invited Ms Dungworth to discuss its recently published rural crime report, which examines issues affecting gamekeepers and estate workers.

“We would welcome dialogue with her office to help ensure future messaging protects victims of abuse without undermining or misrepresenting responsible certificate holders,” said Ms Brynin.

PCC’s office responds

A spokesperson for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner told ST: “The post does not suggest all legal owners of firearms are abusers at all, but that firearms can be used as part of controlling tactics by those who are abusers. The office will remove the post to avoid further misinterpretation and remains committed to highlighting the additional challenges faced by those suffering domestic abuse in our rural communities.”

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