In this episode of the Trauma and Mental Health podcast series, we are joined by contributing writer Suliana Beraki and Dr. Kenneth Widanaralalage, a lecturer in forensic psychology at King’s College London. Dr. Widanaralalage discusses his article, “I Didn’t Feel Like a Victim,” providing valuable insights into the challenges faced by individuals who have experienced sexual violations. We explore the concept of rape myths, examining how they are socially constructed and the various factors that make it difficult for some male survivors to recognize, confront, and cope with their experiences. 

Join us as we delve into topics such as secondary victimization, interactions with law enforcement, and societal perceptions of masculinity. Dr. Widanaralalage also shares perspectives on how we can move forward—offering some ideas for peers, mental health professionals, and law enforcement on challenging harmful stereotypes and fostering safer, more supportive spaces for male survivors and others with similar experiences.