Not that common. The CPS will usually try to bring the case to court, but if the complainant doesnt attend, and there is no other evidence eg a witness, the case usually doesnt go ahead.

TBF the CPS will only "try to bring the case to court" if after due investigation, there is one. Only if they decide there is a reasonable prospect of conviction do they go on to charge, and domestic assault is no different.

As soon as Elima is back we can shift Langley to prop, at least until he picks up his inevitable injury.

With 4 fully fit props I don't think Joseph was going to be seeing much first team action, so losing him from the squad would be no great loss.

Yes, but very often in domestic violense cases there is only a reasonable prospect of conviction if the complainant is prepared to give evidence. Something that the CPS will only know for sure on the day of the trial.