I think emotional abuse CAN be worse, but not always. I'm a victim of both forms, and I must say the emotional abuse is much worse - however, the emotional abuse lasted over a long period time (from birth till now, actually); whereas the physical abuse was only around three to ten years of age.

Anyway, just a few insults and instances of emotional abuse can probably be coped with and overcome easily. However, when throughout one's whole life, they're told that they're worthless and unwanted, it takes more help than I can even imagine. Emotional abuse leads to feelings of self-lothing, which can lead to suicide or major depression. People end up not loving themselves in any form, and it just gets out of hand.