A consent decree can offer all of the relief you might have won by going to court but oftentimes more quickly, with less expense, difficulty and stress to your relationship with your employer. However, keep in mind that you might have won more by going to court or accepting a private settlement. The consent decree can make your employer change company practices and policies which are unfair to you and other women. This is known as “injunctive relief.” Consent decrees may also provide financial compensation for the wrongs your or your coworkers may have suffered from.