Sexual abuse has very poor odds of emotional recovery. Surviving an emotional ordeal is a valid use and recognized meaning: "to continue to live after being in

Sexual abuse has very poor odds of emotional recovery. Surviving an emotional ordeal is a valid use and recognized meaning: "to continue to live after being in a ... difficult situation" (Cambridge dictionary). Example: "she survived two divorces." In this case, psychological abuse can, and often does, lead to "destruction or death," which could be a crushed self-esteem, a crippling depression or even suicide.