The number of sexual offences against children reported to police across Scotland reached almost 2,500 last year, according to new figures.
They include cases of rape, sexual assault, sexual activity and communicating indecently.
NSPCC Scotland, which obtained the figures, warned the number might only be “a fraction of the true amount” as many others could be afraid to speak up.
The charity sent a Freedom of Information (FoI) request to police forces across the UK covering the period April 2014 until March 2015.
The statistics showed a total of 2,483 offences were reported to Police Scotland – seven a day – with those recorded against girls being significantly higher than that of boys.
For example, there were 323 sex assaults of females aged between 13-15 compared to 35 for males of the same age.
Matt Forde, the charity’s head of service in Scotland, said: “The reality that right now seven children are being abused every day is an appalling one and shows that there is a desperate need to support children who have suffered from sexual abuse.
“For too many children, our court system adds further trauma to their earlier experiences of abuse. We welcome proposals to reform our legal system to better support child witnesses in Scotland.
“We would urge the Government to replicate Scandinavian models as part of this reform, to free children from further suffering and allow the therapeutic support they need to begin more quickly.”
Throughout the UK, the total reported child sex offences for 2014/15 was 45,456 – the equivalent of more than 124 per day, or more than five per hour.
The charity has launched a campaign, called It’s Time, urging the Government to increase funding and to ring-fence money for support services for children who have been abused.
Mr Forde added: “Sexual abuse can shatter a child’s mental health. It can leave them anxious, depressed and even suicidal.
“That is why it is crucial every single child who has endured abuse and needs support must get timely, thorough help so they can rebuild their lives.”