Assia Serrano

Assia Serrano is a mother, doula, parenthood educator, and dedicated advocate for the rights of domestic violence survivors.

Serrano arrived in the United States from Panama at 15 years old. At 18 years old, Serrano met the man who would ultimately coerce her into crime. Twenty years her senior, he controlled almost all aspects of her life, isolated her from family, and sexually abused her.

Serrano became pregnant with his child at 19. She found work as a home health aid to support her anticipated child. Her partner, the father of her child, coerced her into robbing the 85-year-old woman she was caring for and, without any intention to injure her, Serrano bound the woman’s hands with stockings to give herself time to flee, causing a blood clot. The woman later died in the hospital from surgical complications. Serrano was sentenced to 18 years to life in New York State after being convicted of felony murder and robbery in the second degree.

During her 17 years of incarceration, before receiving DVSJA relief, Serrano remained an active and doting mother; she gained her B.A in sociology and became a nursery doula, nursery facilitator, parent educator, and conflict mediator. When the DVSJA was passed, the district attorney joined Serrano’s resentencing petition, and she was granted immediate release, with the judge wishing her “the very best in life.” But as soon as she left the prison, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement picked her up and, within 43 days, deported her back to Panama.

Today, Serrano lives in Panama, awaiting permission to return to the US and her children. If permitted to return, she intends to return to her work as a doula and mother, “When I get home, all I want is the things people take for granted; everyday life, meals with the kids, holiday shopping. That is all I want.”