The date rape drug and drugs like it have been used in several rapes and sexual abuse cases in Central Florida.
We told you last week the Victim Service Center of Central Florida has seen a drastic spike in reported rapes and sexual abuse over the last month.
While the summer is usually a busy season for rape investigations, this is on track to break the record for the most reported rapes at the center.
Now, they have noticed a trend linking the rapes together. A majority of their victims are between the ages of 18-24, and drugs, including the date rape drug, have been a major factor in a lot of those cases.
The Victim Service Center is asking those who believe they may have been victimized to come forward as soon as possible.
Although they respect the victim's right to wait, the center explained these drugs don't stay in the victim's system long.
"These drugs can only stay in your system as short of a time period as eight and usually not more than 24 hours. So it's critical that you come to us so that we can do an analysis," said Lui Damiani, the Executive Director of Victim Service Center Central Florida.
Rohypnol, GHB, sleep aids and muscle relaxers are most frequently used. Although alcohol is also a common denominator.
Many times the drugs used are colorless, tasteless and lack smell, but can cause nausea, vomiting, disorientation, fatigue and loss of memory.
They believe these drugs are put into victims' drinks so they are encouraging people to speak up if they see someone doing something suspicious, and keep their drinks on them at all times.
The Victim Service center has advocates available 24/7, and can be reached at 407-497-6701.