http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/oct/26/roman-polanki-samantha-geimer-filing

Can't figure this one out.

OK, so say I was assaulted or robbed later tonight... if I decided after calling the police etc I wanted to drop the charges, that would be that. No further questions. NOW i'm not equating rape to robbery or assault... I think it is a far worse crime than that. And the detail of this case doesn't sound like statutory rape or unlawful sex with a minor - it sounds like definitive, undoubtable sexual assault.
BUT the victim wants the charges dropped, won't co-operate... so where do we draw the law here? This is a personal crime and a personal case, I personally think she *shouldn't* drop the charges but... not my decision or experience. For the millionth time on this case - where do we go from here?