Why didn't these Catholics go to the police instead of the church?

I guess it's because I am not a Catholic that I could never understand why the parents of abuse victims went to the church to complain about what was happening to their children.  Why?? Why didn't they go to the police?  This is a criminal matter, a police matter.  The church was never going to do anything about these paedophiles, even if they weren't involved personally, most of the church hierarchy are so arrogant that they think they are above the law.  Even after all these years and many thousands of cases they are still making excuses.  These people call themselves men of god, so is it any wonder that I do not believe there is a god.