Some Roman Catholic priests who say they have been falsely accused of molesting children have turned to civil courts for relief, filing defamation lawsuits against the people claiming to be their victims.

Advocates for abuse survivors say these clergymen are trying to intimidate victims. But the priests argue a lawsuit is one of the few ways they can clear their names in a climate of public anger over offenders who remained in parish work.

“Child sexual abuse that’s an unconscionable crime and sin. The defamation of character of a good priest, that’s a crime as well,” said the Rev. Robert Silva, head of the National Federation of Priests’ Councils, which claims about half of the 46,000 U.S. priests as members.

Priests in the dioceses of Cleveland, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Okla., St. Louis and Orange County, Calif., have recently filed defamation suits.

The share of clergymen taking this approach is small compared to the number who resigned or were suspended this year over allegations of sex abuse. At least 300 priests have been taken off duty since the crisis erupted in January.