One can only be accountable if there is an admission or if there is undeniable evidence towards the accusation.
Recently, there was a public figure accused of rape (or similar terrible crime). It actually went to trial and the accuser ended up admitting she was never raped. So, the dude is exonerated but as he left court, the press asked him what will he do now. His response (and I paraphrase) was, where can he go to get his reputation back.
Women married to men accused of crimes from 20..30..40+ years ago need to STAND BY THEIR MAN AND BE HEARD such accusations over a large period of time, if not proven,...the accuser should face (libel) consequences. And it should be the courts (the D.A.'s office) that brings charges against the accuser.