What was the basis for your own permanent resident to citizen process? Was it also based on marriage?
I am not sure what your prior experience was; if it went better or worse than you had expected.
No one can force you to follow the advice here, but you did ask for advice, and we are all trying to help you and your fiancé have the smoothest legal experience possible given the facts and situation.
Abuse- The purpose of this Violence Against Women Act (VAWA, although not restricted by gender) self-petitioner allowance if for a battered spouse, married to a USC, whom otherwise would apply for immigration benefits for his spouse, to petition for herself. It is to protect against a violent USC spouse who would hold the law and the threat of deportation over a foreign spouse with fewer rights and opportunities.
restrictions on a VAWA application:
VAWA, or the Violence Against Women Act, is a U.S. law that allows certain victims of battery or extreme cruelty to self-petition for immigration benefits, such as a
green card, without the knowledge of their abusive U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) spouse, parent, or child. To apply, you must file Form I-360, "Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant," and demonstrate that you are a victim of abuse and have a "good faith" marriage to the abuser if you are a spouse.