University student Florence Carter dropped her rape case just two weeks after reporting it, after being told she faced a three-year wait for a trial. The 21-year-old from Manchester said the overwhelming strain of the police investigation, combined with her university degree, left her with no choice but to walk away.
The assault occurred during Freshers' Week in September 2025, after a stranger at a house party tricked her into returning to his home. She reported the incident online eight days later, unaware that forensic evidence collection must take place within a seven-day window.
Police investigation and daily calls
When police officers arrived at her home within 20 minutes of her report, the investigation began to dominate her life. Detectives called her several times a day and required filmed interviews. The man was arrested, held overnight, and released under bail restrictions preventing him from approaching her home.
Florence said she was terrified of bumping into him while trying to complete her English Literature dissertation. She said she felt pressured by the police to keep going with the case, but also felt shame in closing it because of that.
Government promises specialist courtrooms
Her experience comes as Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced plans for every Crown Court in England and Wales to feature dedicated courtrooms for rape and serious sexual offences within two years. The specialised courtrooms will include private entrances and waiting rooms for victims, facilities to pre-record evidence, and the opportunity to observe sentencing remotely.
Trials will also be set on fixed dates rather than being placed on floating court lists, which can be moved at short notice. According to Government figures, rape cases took an average of 424 days to conclude in 2025, with a devastating number of survivors withdrawing beforehand.
Call for reform beyond courtrooms
Florence welcomed the plans, particularly the promise of faster trial dates and separate entrances to avoid confronting defendants. However, she is calling for clearer public guidance on what to do if you are assaulted, including the importance of preserving forensic evidence even if you are not immediately ready to report to the police.
She also wants universities to do more to support students who disclose sexual violence, saying she was left for months without anyone contacting her after seeking help. Despite the immense emotional toll, Florence completed her degree and is now preparing to begin a Master's in Human Resources and Industrial Relations.
She now speaks publicly about her experience to offer hope to other survivors. "I am functioning, thriving," she said. "I want others to see proof that it does get better."
