When Melbourne mother Kylie fled a violent partner with her son in tow, trying to sign a private house rental was as fraught as staying in an abusive relationship. Priced out of the mainstream tenancy market and needing secure, long-term refuge, she sought help from a women’s housing group. Following the launch of a royal commission into the state’s domestic violence crisis and growing community outcry, a not-for-profit venture by the real estate industry hopes to help fill a gap in affordable housing for some of the state’s most vulnerable families. A new real estate agency, Property Initiatives Real Estate, will pump its profits into buying and constructing properties for women and children escaping domestic violence or poverty.