PERCEPTION and ATTITUDES Protection It is understandable to marry off the adolescent GIRL to protect her from risks in the public area such as getting involved in crime, substance abuse, etc. 60% I AGREE 81 respondents I DISAGREE 124 respondents It is understandable to marry off the adolescent BOY to protect him from risks in the public area such as getting involved in crime, substance abuse, etc. 54% I AGREE 95 respondents I DISAGREE 111 respondents Parents‘ or caregivers’ perceptions and attitudes about the potential dangers that could harm their children and even indirectly their families in public spaces or the existing conditions of vulnerability in their living spaces also lead them to see it as ‘understandable’ to marry off their children to protect them. However, the responses of the participants indicate that these risks are no longer seen as a reason for child marriage. While 62% of respondents from Syria agree for girls, this rate rises to 68% for boys. Considering the recent and systematic discrimination, exclusion and hate speech and actions against persons under temporary protection (refugees) in Türkiye, the perceptions and attitudes of respondents from Syria may result in a more ‘protective’ and ‘defensive’ attitude due to fear and anxiety. 43