what happened to cole's father? why does it seem cole's mother charged him?

Cole's father is charged with child abuse. Cole's mother charged him with it. Part of the back story involves Cole's mother undergoing a change as well as her son. We see bits and pieces of it as she shows up throughout the book. Part of her regret is standing by while Cole's dad abused him. In the latter chapters Cole's mom stops drinking and tries to take responsibility for her actions or rather inactions.