Immigrant women are more likely to suffer physical and psychological abuse by their partners and are less likely to report it, a new study suggests.

The Canadian Council on Social Development released the report Monday, marking International Women's Day.

A recent immigrant to Canada left says she left her husband because he was violent. "Meena" (not her real name) came to Canada from India in 2002. She says her husband is looking for her and she doesn't want to be found.

"I'm scared of him because beating is common in my husband's family. They beat their wives so many times. He hit me in front of my children," said Meena.

She has no friends and no other family in Canada.

"It was very hard because I never knew in Canada I had any help. I was...very scared to talk about this to anybody," said Meena.

A Statistics Canada survey found that slightly more than 10 per cent of immigrant women suffer emotional or financial abuse. Another four cited physical or sexual abuse. Only 10 per cent of women who said they were abused sought help.

The report's author, Dr. Ekuwa Smith, says many issues factor into the problem.

"The situation is a combination of the abuse itself, isolation, their immigrant status...language proficiency and systematic discrimination," said Smith.

Beryl Tsang, with Education Wife Assault, an organization that works to prevent violence against women, says the numbers are likely much higher. She says language barriers prevent many women from seeking help.

Lillian To, who helps Chinese immigrants settle into Canada, says cultural differences can play a role.

"Generally there is a sense in the Chinese family, especially the women, that even if they have a family problem, they don't want other people to know," said To.

Meena believes if more minority women knew about the available resources, they would have the courage to speak out.